ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Commerce Minister interacts with FPOs on Agri Export Policy
Suresh Prabhu interacting with FPOs through video link
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Suresh Prabhu,held an interaction with Farmer Producers' Organizations  through video link in 81locations of the country in New Delhi today.Around twelve locations from the North East were part of this interaction with the Minister.
Commerce Minster discussed with the FPOs about measures that may be implemented by them in order to boost exports of products from specific regions of the states. In order to implement the Agriculture Export Policy 40 clustershave been formedacross the country and through NABARD, APEDA, MPEDA and Plantation Boards farmer’s organizations will be given all assistance in order to ensure that farmers get adequate market price and are able to export their produce.
Commerce Minister suggested that FPOs must form federations which can become engines of growth in the districts. Minister informed that he is writing to all FPOs to take the lead and ensure that the object of the Agriculture Export Policy of doubling farmers income is implemented.
While interacting with FPOs Minister heard problems faced by farmers in areas like Nasik in Maharashtra, Idduki in Kerala, Rayagada in Odisha, Dahod in Gujarat, Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, Gangtok in Sikkim and FPOs from Himachal Pradesh. Most of them face difficulty in accessing value chains and suffer from lack of access to markets. Commerce Minister assured all FPOs that he will look into each of their problems and ensure that these are solved at the earliest.
The agri export policy is aligned with the vision of doubling of farmers’ income by providing the farmers the benefit of export opportunities through a stable trade policy regime. The policy gives focus on developing clusters with potential for export-oriented production of specific products and greater thrust on value added products, promotion and branding of produce of India. The main aim of the policy is to double agriculture exports to USD 60 billion by 2022.
Several initiatives have been taken to boost agricultural exports which include lifting of prohibition on export of Edible Oils and Pulses and provision of MEIS on a number of agricultural products.
Export duty on sugar has been removed and high-level delegations have visited Indonesia, Malaysia, China and Bangladesh to explore export prospect of raw and refined sugar during this sugar season. Special efforts have also been made to boost agricultural exports to China. General Administration of Customs of the PR of China  has registered five plants for export of Rapeseed Meal to China. A GACC team is visiting India to inspect Soyabean Meal plants. India has signed a new protocol with China for export of rice, both Basmati and non-basmati, in June,2018. GACC has approved total 24 Indian rice mills for export of rice to China. A protocol for export of fish meal to China has also been signed on 28.11.2018 with GACC China to pave the way for export of Indian fish oil and fish meal to China.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
MNRE Opens Facilitation Centre for Investors
The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy  has today opened a Industry and Investors' Facilitation Centre in the Ministry. This will work as a focal point to provide correct and timely information on Policies and programmes of the Government and also resolve the issues of the renewable energy  investors and industry in the country.
Underlining the importance of this Centre Shri R K Singh, Minister of State  for Power and New & Renewable Energy and Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship said, "We are committed to increase our share RE to 40 percent of our total power generation capacity by 2030 to mark India's significant contribution towards mitigating climate change challenges. This centre will play an important role to achieve this goal. The Facilitation Centre will work as a fast track mechanism in resolving the investors' issues and taking the Ease of Doing Business  to a notch higher."
Referring to the efforts to enhance RE capacity, the Minister said that 86 GW Capacity has already been installed, 34 GW is under implementation while 30 GW is at various stages of tendering." The Ministry is setting up Ultra Mega RE Power Projects for providing land and transmission on plug and play basis.
He also said that his Ministry is constantly working on greater Ease of Doing Business . The Ministry has strengthened Power Purchase Agreements  and Letter of Credit measures for payment security mechanism.
The Centre headed by Joint Secretary , MNRE, will catalyse and boost investor confidence and ensure timely completion of the projects in the sector. Soon, a dedicated portal will be developed for the purpose.
It may be added that India's renewable energy journey has been largely supported by private investment. Till date it has attracted about $100 billion investment and $14 billion is in the process. India further, requires about $65 billion more investment in RE sector.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
OUTLAY TO MSMEs
The Budgetary outlay of Ministry of MSME during the last five years, is given at Annexure – I.
To withstand financial stress, Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme  was announced as a part of the AatmaNirbhar Bharat announcement. The Government of India implements Self Reliant India to infuse Rs. 50,000 crore equity in the potential MSMEs . Additionally, Ministry of MSME has, through various schemes, such as the Raising & Accelerating MSME Performance , Lean, ZED, promoting Business Models for Increasing Penetration and Scaling up of Solar Energy  and Market transformation for Energy Efficiency in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises  provided assistance for adaption of green sector technology.
Annexure – I
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Budgetary Outlay of Ministry of MSME during the last five years, year-wise;
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Years
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Budget Estimate
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Revised Estimate
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Actual
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Expenditure % w.r.t Revised Estimate
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2018-19
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6,552.61
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6,552.61
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6,513.13
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99.40
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2019-20
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7,011.29
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7,011.29
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6,717.53
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95.81
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2020-21
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7,572.20
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5,664.22
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5,647.50
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99.70
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2021-22
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15,699.65
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15,699.65
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15,160.46
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96.57
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2022-23
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21,422.00
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23,628.73
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23,583.90
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99.81
This information was given by Minister of State for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, Shri Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles the passing away of Shri Manohar Parrikar
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the passing away of the Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Manohar Parrikar.
The Prime Minister said, “ Shri Manohar Parrikar was an unparalleled leader. A true patriot and exceptional administrator, he was admired by all. His impeccable service to the nation will be remembered by generations. Deeply saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti.
Shri Manohar Parrikar was the builder of modern Goa. Thanks to his affable personality and accessible nature, he remained the preferred leader of the state for years. His pro-people policies ensured Goa scales remarkable heights of progress.
India will be eternally grateful to Shri Manohar Parrikar for his tenure as our Defence Minister. When he was RM, India witnessed a series of decisions that enhanced India’s security capacities, boosted indigenous defence production and bettered the lives of ex-servicemen”.
Ministry of Defence
VISIT OF LT GEN BATOO TSHERING, CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER, ROYAL BHUTAN ARMY TO INDIA
Lt Gen Batoo Tshering, DYG, DRT, DW, DT, DK, Chief Operations Officer, Royal Bhutan Army is currently on a visit to India from 28 October to 02 November 2022.
The Chief of the Royal Bhutan Army reviewed the Passing Out Parade at Officers Training Academy, Chennai on 29 October 2022. On 01 November 2022, he laid a wreath at the National War Memorial and received a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the South Block, New Delhi. Lt Gen Batoo Tshering called on Gen Manoj Pande, the Chief of Army Staff and exchanged views on the current global situation, security perspectives in addition to discussing measures for enhancing defence cooperation between both armies.
The visiting General also called on the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, the Vice Chief of Army Staff, Defence Secretary and other senior military officers. The visit will further enhance and strengthen the already existing friendship and cooperation between the Indian Armed Forces and the Royal Bhutan Army.
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SC/RSR/GKA
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Special Service and Features
WARB MEETING
Group Centre, CRPF, Pallipuram, Thiruvananthapuram will be organising the Quarterly meeting of Welfare and Rehabilitation Board on 30th September 2022 at 11.00 AM at their Group Centre location to address/redress the grievances of retired CAPF/ Assam Rifles personnel. The DIGP Group Centre, CRPF, Pallipuram,  will preside over the meeting. All Retired CAPF’s/Assam Rifles personnel of Kerala State may make it convenient to attend the meeting at Group Centre, CRPF, Pallipuram accordingly duly adhering to all the present Covid-19 protocols, like wearing masks covering nose and mouth, social distancing, hand hygiene etc.
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Ministry of Home Affairs
Government exempts additional Agricultural and Forestry items, Shops of Educational Books for Students and Shops of Electric Fans from Lockdown Restrictions to fight COVID19
MHA issues SOPs on Sign-on/Sign-off for Indian Seafarers at Indian Ports and their movement
Ministry of Home Affairs  has issued an order to exempt certain activities under the consolidated revised guidelines
, regarding the Nationwide lockdown to fight COVID-19.
Within the above mentioned consolidated revised guidelines, Government has exempted additional agricultural and forestry items, shops of educational books for students and shops of electric fans from lockdown restrictions to fight COVID19. Further, MHA has also issued SOPs on sign-on/sign-off for Indian seafarers at Indian ports and their movement for the same.
Relaxations under the above mentioned items would not be applicable to Hotspots/containment zones. These activities would not be permitted in these zones.
Click here to see Official Document
Ministry of Science & Technology
Webinar on Popular Science Writing reaches across India & beyond its borders
The National Council for Science & Technology Communication  and Vigyan Prasar, an autonomous institute of Department of Science and Technology  organised two webinars earlier this week on “Popular Science Writing” for capacity building of research scholars under Augmenting Writing Skills for Articulating Research  programme to create a brigade of science communicators.
Scholars from 28 States and Union Territories across the country and also from 12 other countries USA, Germany, United Kingdom, Israel, etc. were introduced to the importance of communicating science, writing popular articles from research and to tips and techniques of popular science writing.
Dr. Manoj Patairiya, Head NCSTC, DST and Dr B.K. Tyagi, Scientist F, VigyanPrasar addressed the audience and shared tips on science communication. The webinars received huge response with a total 1282 registered participants from India and abroad.
“Writing of a popular science story based on one's research does wonders in enhancing our own understanding of how the deep and narrow of my knowledge relates to the broader questions of science and the needs of society. I have found that if I can explain my research to people across ages and educational backgrounds in a manner that engenders understanding, appreciation, and even some excitement, then I have understood the many dimensions of the problem better myself!,” said Prof Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Centre directs State Governments to organise awareness workshops about the benefits of Fortified Rice
Government of Gujarat organised the workshop on positive impact of rice fortification in Govt. schemes and its significant contribution to the country’s nutritional security strategy
In order to promote the benefits of Fortified Rice while elucidating the concerns about the impact of its consumption among some sections of the population those are vulnerable to Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia, the Department of Food and Public Distribution  has requested various States like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Telangana Rajasthan, Kerala to organize workshop/seminar by the respective State Governments in the sensitive areas of tribal belts and districts that have populations that are vulnerable to Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia.
This initiative has been carried out by organizing workshops by the Govt. of Gujarat at Meril Academy, in Vapi on 09.09.2022 where Hon’ble Finance Minister, Government of Gujarat, Minister, Food & Public Distribution, Govt. of Gujarat, State Minister Food and Public Distribution, Government of Gujarat and other higher officers of Govt. of Gujarat and officer from Department of Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, technical experts and members from media attended the programme.
Ms. Neha Arora, State Programme Officer, Nutritional International, Gujarat made a presentation on fortified staples provided through social safety net programmes. Dr. Yazdi Italia former Honorary Director, Sickle Cell Anemia Control Programme, a Go-NGO Partnership Program of Govt. of Gujarat made a presentation on understanding Hemoglobinopathis-Sickle Cell Anemia, Thalassemia. Similarly, Prof.  Sirimavo Nair, Nodal Officer, Gujarat  made a presentation on fortified staples and its positive impact on public health. Dr. BhaveshBariya, Asst. Professor, Department of Community Medicine, NAMO-MERI-Silvasa also made a presentation on fortified staples and its effect on Hemoglobinopathis.
The presentations were followed by a Panel discussion by technical experts and officials from FCI and D/o Food & PD. The programme was covered by several leading local newspapers in Gujarat.
At the end of the workshop, there was general consensus regarding the positive impact of rice fortification in Govt. schemes and its significant contribution to the country’s nutritional security strategy.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Air Quality Commission directs for 100 percent switching over of industries in Delhi to PNG.
Delhi Pollution Control Committee directed to identify the industries using unapproved fuels and take stringent penal action in case of non-compliance.
The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas reviewed the progress of switching over of Industries operating in Delhi to Piped Natural Gas with the Government of NCT of Delhi, GAIL and Indraprastha Gas Limited.
About 1644 of Industrial Units spread across 50 industrial areas in Delhi had been identified to switch over to Piped Natural Gas . Though sizeable number of Industries are using PNG, the Commission stressed the need to switch over to PNG by all identified Industries in Delhi considering the fact that industrial sector is one of the major contributors to air pollution in Delhi and National Capital Region. Indraprastha Gas Limited  and Gas Authority of India Limited  were impressed upon to complete the pipeline network, metering and associated infrastructure.
M/s IGL, Delhi Pollution Control Committee and Government of NCT of Delhi were also asked to work in close coordination with the industrial units so as to target completion of infrastructure works and complete switch over to PNG, by all the identified industrial units in Delhi, by 31st January, 2021. DPCC was also directed to inspect and identify the industries using unapproved fuels and to take stringent penal action in case of non-compliances.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Government introduces a new registration mark for new vehicles “Bharat series ” to facilitate seamless transfer of vehicles
Government has taken a host of citizen centric steps to facilitate mobility. An IT based solution for vehicle registration is one such effort. However, one of the pain points in the vehicle registration process that needed attention was re-registration of a vehicle while moving to another state.
Station relocation occurs with both Government and private sector employees. Such movements create a sense of unease in the minds of such employees with regard to transfer of registration from the parent state to another state as, under section 47 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, a person is allowed to keep the vehicle for not more than 12 months in any state other than the state where the vehicle is registered, but a new registration with the new state- registering authority has to be made within the stipulated time of 12 months.
A passenger vehicle user takes the following steps to re-register a vehicle:
 No Objection Certificate from the Parent State for assignment of a new registration mark in another state.
 Assignment of new registration mark after the road tax on prorata basis is paid in the new State
 Application for refund of the road tax in the parent State on pro rata basis.
This provision to get refund from the parent State on pro rata basis is a very cumbersome process and varies from one State to another.
In order to facilitate seamless transfer of vehicles, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highwaysvide notification dated 26 Aug 2021, has introduced a new registration mark for new vehicles i.e. “Bharat series ”.Avehicle bearing this registration mark shall not require assignment of a new registration mark when the owner of the vehicle shifts from one State to another.
Format of Bharat series  Registration Mark -
Registration Mark Format: -
YY BH #### XX
YY – Year of first registration
BH- Code for Bharat Series
####- 0000 to 9999 
XX- Alphabets 
This vehicle registration facility under “Bharat series ” will be available on voluntary basis to Defense personnel, employees of Central Government/ State Government/ Central/ State Public Sector Undertakings and private sector companies/organizations, which have their offices in four or more States/Union territories.
The motor vehicle tax will be levied for two years or in multiple of two. This scheme will facilitate free movement of personal vehicles across States/UTs of India upon relocation to a new State/UT. After completion of the fourteenth year, the motor vehicle tax shall be levied annually which shall be half of the amount which was charged earlier for that vehicle.
GSR 594 26 .08.2021 BH series registration mark Rules
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets people on Vishwakarma Jayanti
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti. He said skills and sense of duty will take the nation to new heights during the Amrit Kaal.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"देशवासियों को भगवान विश्वकर्मा जयंती की अनंत शुभकामनाएं। इस अवसर पर नवनिर्माण और नवसृजन के साथ ही सभी प्रकार के रचनात्मक कार्यों से जुड़े कर्मयोगियों का मेरा हार्दिक अभिनंदन। आपका कौशल और कर्तव्यभाव अमृतकाल में देश को नई ऊंचाइयों पर ले जाने वाला है।"
Ministry of Finance
Finance Minister: Strive to make GST Tax Administration simple ensuring Ease of Doing Business
GST Day, 2020 or third anniversary of introduction of GST was marked by CBIC and all its field offices across India on July 01, 2020. GST has been instrumental in Breaking Barriers to build an AatmaNirbhar Bharat and taking forward the motto of One Nation One Tax One Market. Considering the COVID pandemic most of the interactions with stakeholders to mark this day were made in virtual mode on digital platforms.
UnionMinister for Finance& Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman on her message on GST Day, 2020 highlighted that GST has come a long way in simplifying the GST Tax Administration based on feedback from stakeholders. However, more efforts are required to ease tax compliances. Key points of FM’s message were:
- Focus on Hon’ble Prime Minister’s clarion call for AatmaNirbhar Bharat.
- Strive to make the tax administration simple for taxpayers ensuring Ease of Doing Business in essence
- Foresee the issues faced by business community and proactively address them
The Finance Minister congratulated CBIC officers for the commendable job done by them during these testing times of COVID 19 and went beyond call of duty to help and handhold taxpayers. Also, appreciated the record amount of refund disbursed to ease cash flow of taxpayers during this period.
Union Minister of State for Finance & Corporate Affairs Sh. Anurag Thakur in his message added that return filing process needs to be made easier and processing of return and allowing Input Tax Credit needs to be made faster. Shri Thakur appreciated the hardwork of CBIC officers during lockdown period and efficient use of IT platforms to process GST refunds through remote access which in turn provided much liquidity to the taxpayers. Social activities by CBIC field officers of helping those in distress during COVID 19 was also applauded.
Chairman CBIC Sh. M Ajit Kumar in a virtual departmental GST Day programme emphasised on assisting taxpayers and reaching out to them to resolve their grievances and honor the FM’s message of Ease of Doing Business in its true essence.
RM/KMN
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Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Transportation of Fertilizers through Foreign Vessels
The Minister of State for Shipping and Finance Shri Pon Radhakrishnan in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today informed that the Ministry of Shipping has given relaxation to foreign vessels for carriage of fertilizer from one port to another port within the country under section 407 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. The foreign flag ships are now not required to obtain a license from the Director General of Shipping for engaging in coastal trade for carriage of fertilizer by sea.
The relaxation is subject to the condition that the information as per the format prescribed in the relaxation order is submitted to the Director General of Shipping by email at least 24 hours prior to sail of ship from a port in India. The relaxation shall also be subject to the condition that Indian law enforcement agencies, including Indian Navy, Coast Guard, State Maritime Police and Customs, shall be allowed to board such ships any time in the sea for ascertaining the bona fide credentials of the ships/crew.
PIB Headquarters
IAF kick starts international women's week
Ahmedabad, Sunday, 01 Mar 2020
A team of 49 Sanginis led by Mrs. Nirmala Ghotia, President, Air Force Wives Welfare Association , South Western Air Command participated in PINKATHON 2020 held at River Front, Ahmedabad. These women of steel represented true 'Shakti ' of Indian Air Force and their 'Never Quit' attitude. I never quit, I never give up, I push myself and turn my pain into lifetime gain, a sangini  said. Under the supervision, guidance and motivation from President AFWWA , Vayusanginis participated in all categories, including President herself leading from the front. HQ SWAC makes continuous efforts to keep the Air Warriors and their families fit by organising various events under Fit India Movement. Constant practice led to this huge participation with smiling faces, truly keeping them in pink of their health. These cheerful sanginis say, 'stay healthy, stay pink'.
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